Upper Macungie Township officials are moving forward with plans for a new police force, announcing Monday that it offered 25 police officers jobs and signed off on the department's patch.

Police Chief Edgardo Colon said the majority of officers offered positions now work from the Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department, which is slated to disband at the end of the year.

He said offers of employment went out Tuesday.

The department patch, unveiled at a Monday township meeting, pictures an eagle overlooking a barn and rolling farmland.

"We chose the eagle to represent American patriotism and cornfields to represent the township's commitment to open space," Colon said.

Upper Macungie released a statement about the new design:

"The Uniform Patch of the Upper Macungie Township Police Department has numerous [symbolic] meanings. The shape of the patch itself is a shield to signify protection of the public.

The [calming] French Blue color blue is symbolic of Police. The center of the patch has the Seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Within the Seal is a shield depicting a ship under full sail, a plow and three sheaves of wheat. These symbols represent the importance of commerce, labor, perseverance, and agriculture. Atop the shield an eagle proudly symbolizes the state's sovereignty.

The barn and farm fields represent the rich agricultural history of Upper Macungie Township and its commitment to open space, parks and recreation.

The eagle represents American patriotism and the noble police officers who are serving and acting in the best interests of the citizens it serves.

The residents of Upper Macungie Township and all citizens traversing throughout can rest assured that their Police Department will be well trained, professional and will respond to their needs. A founding principle will mandate all officers to fully and continuously demonstrate the Departments mission to be committed to service."